It’s trial and error for Shell

Raider coach Art Shell says the team is going through more things in training camp than it could possibly use in the regular season — using camp and exhibition games to find out what works with the personnel on hand.

“All the things we’ve been installing, all the things we’re doing, you don’t take everything in to the season,” he said. “You’re going to make some adjustments along the way.”

“Do we move forward?”

As for his formula for evaluating players in the preseason, Shell said, “What you’re looking for is your top people to play well and your other players to improve.”

As for the business at hand, Monday night’s game against the Vikings in Minnesota, Shell says he hasn’t decided yet how long his regulars will play — or even whether he’ll treat the game as the first or second exhibition game.

Most teams have four preseason games, and the Raiders have five — starting with last Sunday’s 16-10 win over the Eagles in the Hall of Fame Game.

Shell said he could go either way. “Do we move forward?” he said — not providing an answer.

Normally, NFL teams play their regulars one quarter in the first game, the first half in the second game, into the third quarter in the third game and then a much shorter stint in the final game.

“I want to see all of our players improve,” he said. “This is a team thing.”